Sen. Victoria Gu

Maddy summarySB 2343 proposes to change how hotel taxes are distributed within Rhode Island's South County regional tourism district. The bill would redirect a portion of these funds away from the regional tourism district and toward the local cities and towns where the hotels are physically located. Additionally, it adjusts the specific percentages allocated to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors' Bureau. This legislation directly affects hotel owners, local municipalities, and tourism organizations by altering the flow of tax revenue collected from lodging businesses.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 214th anniversary of Colombia's independence on July 20, 2024. It formally recognizes the historical events that led to Colombia's freedom from Spanish rule and highlights the shared values between the United States and Colombia. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Colombian American Cultural Society and Colombia en Rhode Island.

Encourages and protects the freedom of public libraries to acquire materials without limitations and prohibits materials being removed from public libraries due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

Maddy summarySB 2571 amends Rhode Island's real estate tax laws to limit assessments for low- and moderate-income housing units to the last sales price within a five-year period. For properties that have not sold in that timeframe, the bill allows assessors to use a calculated maximum sales price determined by a monitoring agent instead of current market estimates. The legislation also includes specific tax exemptions for new construction on vacant homes and certain improvements in the cities of Warwick and Central Falls. Additionally, it ensures that renewable energy resources on a property do not trigger a reassessment of the underlying land value. These changes aim to provide stability in property tax calculations for affordable housing and specific residential development scenarios.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new tax credit for individuals and businesses that donate safe, edible food to qualified nonprofit organizations. Starting in 2025, donors can claim a credit equal to 75% of the food's fair market value, up to a maximum of $5,000 per year, while those who arrange transportation for the donation may also receive a 50% credit on those costs. To qualify, the donated food must be fit for human consumption, and the receiving nonprofit must use it to provide meals for people in need. The legislation requires nonprofits to issue certificates confirming the donation details and the intended use of the food, and it mandates annual reporting to the state legislature on how the credit is utilized.

Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.

Allows for a one-time two percent (2%) supplemental cost of living adjustment for plan year 2025 to the public pension benefits administered by the ERSRI, and allows for those benefits to be deducted from the taxpayer's adjusted gross income.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Rhode Island residents who convert their existing gas-powered vehicles to run on alternative fuels like electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen. The credit covers up to 50% of the equipment and labor costs for the conversion, with a maximum limit of $2,000 for most vehicles and $3,000 for heavier ones, but the amount cannot exceed the taxpayer's total income tax liability. To qualify, the conversion must be completed in the same year the credit is claimed, and sellers of alternative fuel cannot claim the credit for converting their own company vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 170th anniversary of the 1854 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity, which established formal diplomatic relations between the two nations. The bill highlights the historical significance of Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition and celebrates the enduring partnership between the United States and Japan, as well as specific ties between Rhode Island and Japan in areas like trade, education, and culture. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to federal officials, the President, and the Japanese Consul General to formally acknowledge this milestone.

Creates an additional Rhode Island personal income surtax of 3% on taxable income over $1,000,000, with the existing three-bracket personal income tax structure remaining in place.